As Pennsylvania begins a phased re-opening plan for the state, businesses are doing all they can to prepare for a safe work environment, ensure the safety of their employees and determine how to operate in this new business landscape. As part of the PA Chamber's mission and their Bringing PA Back initiative, the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is committed to helping businesses come back stronger than ever. They are working with top experts to bring this essential training to companies across the Commonwealth. This 5-part webinar series will assist your company in navigating important regulations to guide you through a safe re-opening and help answer some of your critical questions as we move to this next phase.

Upon completion, your organization will receive a Course Completion Certificate which demonstrates that your company has attended all five parts and has put forth a "good faith" effort to educate yourself on these key topics of importance to business.

Visit our websiteto register for this great opportunity to ensure the preparedness of your facility and the safety of your employees and customers as we work together toward Bringing PA Back!

After vetoing a bipartisan bill that would have allowed real estate sales to resume in Pennsylvania on Tuesday, Governor Wolf abruptly reversed course and issued guidance that will allow the real estate industry to conduct limited sales statewide.

Under the new guidance, real estate activities can resume if proper precautions are taken, including minimizing in-person contact, staggering scheduling and limiting time spent in the property for face-to-face conversations. Providing food and conducting in-person group showings would be prohibited.

PPP Forgiveness Guide

The U.S. Chamber published a new Paycheck Protection Program Guide to Forgiveness. Like their previous guides, this document provides businesses with an easy to understand explanation of what they need to do to apply for forgiveness of their PPP loans. Click here to download the guide. Please note, this guide will be updated as new guidance is issued by the Dept. of the Treasury.

This week, the SBA provided information regarding how to apply for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness. To assist borrowers with loan forgiveness applications and to provide direction to lenders regarding their roles and responsibilities, additional regulations and guidance are expected to be issued soon by the agency. To access the application or to learn more about the program, designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll during the COVID-19 crisis, please use the following links.

We've been receiving questions about wearing masks and have also heard conflicting information on this. Click here for the Governor's order. Along with a lot of useful information, It states the following:

"10) provide masks for employees to wear during their time at the business, and make it a mandatory requirement to wear masks while on the work site, except to the extent an employee is using break time to eat or drink, in accordance with the guidance from the Department of Health and the CDC. Employers may approve masks obtained or made by employees in accordance with Department of Health guidance;"

"(6) require all customers to wear masks while on premises, and deny entry to individuals not wearing masks, unless the business is providing medication,medical supplies, or food, in which case the business must provide alternative methods of pick-up or delivery of such goods; however, individuals who cannot wear a mask due to a medical condition (including children under the age of 2 years per CDC guidance) may enter the premises and are not required to provide documentation of such medical condition;"

The confusion seems to be whether or not it is a law. Laws are passed by the General Assembly and signed by the Governor so by that definition, no it is not a law. However, it is an order of the Governor which he cites his emergency powers to institute and enforce just like the business closures.

Elected officials in several Pennsylvania counties, including Huntingdon County, have indicated plans to deviate from the Governor's businesses shutdown order and expedite the timeline for businesses to resume operations.

The Governor responded to these announcements with threats to withhold federal funding from these counties and revoke licenses or permits from businesses who violate the state order. The Administration also warned that commercial insurance will not cover claims for businesses that resume operations prior to state authorization.

Many employers are tragically facing an existential dilemma of either resuming operations and risking punishment or remaining closed and possibly shuttering forever.

Here are some things to consider if you do plan to reopen prior to the Governor giving authorization to do so.

·Whenever a business resumes operations, whether based on state or county direction, they are responsible for the health and safety of their employees and customers and must be prepared to comply with federal and state workplace safety guidelines. The PA Chamber'sBringing PA Back websiteincludes helpful information for employers in general and industry-specific guidance.

· The Governor's threats to revoke licenses and permits should not be taken lightly – the Commonwealthadministers over 250 types of professional licenses covering a wide range of industries. Employers are encouraged to consult with an attorney and understand the ramifications of their decisions.

· Despite the Governor's broad statement regarding insurance, it's likely coverage and consideration of claims will be fact-specific and vary based on policy. Employers are encouraged to contact their insurance carrier and inquire whether operating under these circumstances could jeopardize coverage.

· While the Governor's business shutdown order is being challenged in court, his authority has been upheld up to this point.

Hereis the process if a business is reported for non-compliance/violation provided by the office of Representative Rich Irvin.

﻿New page added to Huntingdon County Strong. Click here for the Road to Recovery.

PA Chamber Launches 'Bringing PA Back' Initiative Website

Guidance from trusted sources on workplace readiness – such as cleaning and safety standards; employment opportunities; industry-specific guidance; and policy recommendations that will help to revive Pennsylvania's economy.

Map of the Commonwealth – identifying which phase of the re-opening process each county is currently in – along with an overview of the Wolf administration's guidance for each phase.

The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering designated states and territories low-interest federal disaster loans of up to $2 million for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of COVID-19. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75%.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act has allocated $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn. Known as the Paycheck Protection Program, the initiative provides 100% federally guaranteed loans to eligible small businesses during this time.